About > Staff
Sam Christy, Co-Founder and Executive Director. Sam Christy has extensive experience developing and managing after-school programs. In 1992, Sam founded Science Bridge, an after-school science workshop for high school students. Sam went on to become the first manager of the Boston Computer Museum's Clubhouse Program. During the late 1990s, Sam built and led a company based on a natural language processing technology that he invented and patented. Sam studied engineering and philosophy at Tufts University and received an M.A. from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education in 1991.
Ivan Rudnicki, Co-Founder and Operations Manager. Ivan Rudnicki works closely with Sam to implement organizational strategy, perform external relations, and oversee development tasks. Ivan has more than 15 years of experience as a professional editor and consultant, and has focused for the last several years on helping non-profit organizations with strategic planning and fundraising. He holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University.
Steven Folkins, Program Manager. Steven Folkins joined Machine Science as the organization’s Program Manager in September 2007. Steven has extensive experience as an after-school and summer program manager, having previously served as a coordinator for the city of Somerville’s 21st Century Learning Program and as the director of the city’s Science Solutions Summer Program. Prior to that, he worked as an intern the in Cambridge Public Schools and special education assistant teacher in the Lynnfield Public Schools and as an after-school program leader in Somerville. Steven has a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education and a master’s degree in Education and Creative Arts from Wheelock College.